Re: [Harp-L] Comb material

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Mar 31, 2005, at 11:47 AM, Eric Neumann wrote:

> yeah, I believe that bet will go unclaimed. For me - using different
> comb materials is basically because I know that the difference in tone
> is all in my head. Literally. So, for me a controlled test would not be
> possible to disclaim my personal belief.
>
> Cham Ber Huang did quite a bit of research in the 60's, I believe. He
> and his brother worked feverishly trying to unlock the secrets of the
> comb material question too. There's lots to consider in comb design and
> material.
>
> Ultimately, when controlled tests, or blindfold tests are done - it
> seems no person alive can tell the difference... but I reitterate, to
> me, I feel wood has a warmer sound than plastic, metals are brighter.
> The problem there is that I am not using controls. So, all the tonal
> effect to me is just in my head - and I am fine with that. =)

 Well, I believe that Vern is correct (to a point) and the bet should 
be safe. No, the listener will NOT hear a difference. BUT, the player 
WILL. I (personally) feel that beings that metal is NOT an insulator 
and that wood and plastic ARE, I can feel the vibrations of a solid 
metal harmonica through my skull and in turn this winds up in my INNER 
ears (which I am not inclined to remove from my skull at the present 
time). Ergo: your statement about it being all in your head is closer 
to the truth than you think   :)
smokey-joe

p.s. Just spent a (Rare) session in the garage with 4 harmonicas, to 
wit:
1.......Hohner 270    Circassian Walnut (stock) wood comb ........sound 
= mellow
2.......Hering 48       Bubinga Wood (stock) wood comb                  
       = mellow
3.......Hohner 270    Walnut (stock) wood comb                          
           = mellow
4.......Hering 48       Pourous Bronze (custom)                         
              = biting.....no, piercing